Glen Sather/Rick Nash conference call LIVE!

Doesn’t want to discuss the proposals at deadline. “It took a long time, I’ll tell you that much. …”

“We’re happy to have a 5-time all-star and a 40-goal scorer, one of the better goal scorers in the NHL. 28 years old.

“I’m sure it was difficult for Scott to make the decision to trade him as it was difficult for us to trade the players we traded.”

“It was pretty much continuous. Before the deadline we were pretty active … I didn’t want to make the deal he wanted, and he didn’t accept what I was trying to trade to him. It’s been a continuous process. We talked a lot.”

“I would think (preserved core of team). Brandon and Artie were a piece of that core, but we think we’ve strengthened our club with the deal and there are still people we’re going to be talking to.”
“If you look at the total amount of the money traded we come out on the upside of this one, and you also have to remember Artie has one year left on his contract and he’s going to be looking (for a raise). The money is a wash. It doesn’t affect us as far as the cap is concerned. At this stage we don’t have any idea where (the CBA) is going to go.”

“We’re always trying to improve the team. The opportunity was here at the trade deadline. We couldn’t make it go. We always felt we could use a little more offense, especially with Gaborik (out). This changes the complexion of our team. It won’t change the way we play, but he’s a world class player. and he’s excited to come to NY.”

Doan “is purely speculation at this time.”

“Most of these guys have grown up togehter. They’ve got good chemistry. I think by addng Nash it doesn’t break up our hockey club. He’s basically same age as the rest of our hockey club and we have more young players who will come into the field sooner or later. You don’t get a chance to make a deal (like this) very often. This is a very important deal for our hockey club.”

“I tried to make the deal at the trade deadline. We werent successful at that time. Losing Gaborik is still a big hurt for our team at this point in time. But Gaborik is going to be just fine. That wasn’t the reason we made the deal for Nash.”

“I just think it was a deal we couldn’t turn down.”

Weber offer sheet didn’t have any impact, he said. “Didn’t have anything to do with this.”

On Torts’ style and Nash’s style:

“Absolutely. I haven’t a worry in the world about that.”

“Tortorella has coached against him and knew very well what his style was. Everyone in our organization was after this guy.”

*****************************************

Rick Nash:

“I was very excited. Looking forward to this opportunity and helping what I think is already pretty special what they have going on with the Rangers.”

“It was a tough time, a tough period of five months. The good thing is it’s over and I can look forward to next year.”

“I think they already are one of the top teams in the league and the players they have there is pretty impressive right from the goaltender and the defense and right on up. I’m proud to be part of the organizaiton and the whole city.”

On playing with Richards in the Olympics:

“I think it will be great. When you play in a quick tournament like that, it helps. … Right now I’m not worried about those type things. I’m looking forward to a new chapter.”

Impressed with Callahan as a captain. Said it’s a tough job in NYC.

“We don’t see him much, but I know from watching games and playing against him he’s a heart-and-soul player and he’ll do whatever it takes to get a win.”

On asking for trade and why Rangers:

“Initially I went in with Scott Howson and trying to get a gameplan … was told there was going to be a rebuild. I’ve been here nine years and felt I could be a main piece of a rebuild for them …. i could help them rebuild and help my career … I thought the Rangers were perfect. I think it was a great fit for my style.”

On the pre-deadline game at MSG:

“It was tough. It was definitely mentally draining. I took it as another game. That’s pretty tough to do. … with all that around it and the whole situation I tried to be professional and take it like another game.”

Our defense, the strength of the team, remains in-tack. What a day for Sather! Now it is up to Nash to make this deal the coup that it looks to be on paper. Nash and Easy Kreider – WWeber gonna have his hands full of NY Ranger power forwards this year!!!

Good deal. Team’s better, probably more exciting to watch, too. I hope AA never becomes a real sharpshooter, and I’m not too worried about Dubi being more than a “solid” player for the rest of his career.

I understand the argument that the Rangers have lost some toughness in this offseason, but at the end of the day, it’s still Captain Cally’s team, he will lead by example, and his teammates will follow.
Now let’s pray there’s no lockout!

This team is going to be a force to deal with. I’m still in shock that we still have Stepan, Hags, DZ, and all the 1’st Round Picks that are left. Miller, McIlrath, Skjei. Stunned they didn’t get more prospects.

4 time all-star is a ok player LOL. If anything we have not seen half of his true potential. He’s got some mentors now and some skilled youth to play with him. BJ is a dead end organization and he knew it.

This deal is an absolute steal! This kid is the real deal! He is a star player who is absolutley thrilled to be here unlike some others who hate the city. This guy, along with Kreider will be an absolute nightmare for Weber and that Swiss cheese goalie in Philly.

Torts is grilled to have him. He is a tough player who had us at the top of his list because we fit his style of play.

But I’m MORE upset about acquiring Nash. his contract and his lack of ability to rise above the situation in Ohio. If he was as good as everyone says he is, he should have led that team to a Cup by now.

Right Mickey, because 1 player can do that in a pile of garbage. Columbus has no idea whats going on. They put too much pressure on Nash like he was going to carry the team. Now he has virtually all that weight off his back and can flourish.

The management in Columbus is terrible, as you can see by this trade. Im convinced Nash really wanted to come here. Thats why we made out pretty good.

Adam, then he should have cured cancer with how everything thinks he is the savior.

I just have never liked him as a player. I can’t explain it other than a gut feeling, and no, I haven’t seen him play too much. But everyone has always seemed to think he’s amazing and he’s not that special, if you ask me.

After years of pining for him and mentioning earlier in the week that playing for a winning team might do Ichiro some good and that the Mariners GM owed us for Pineda, we’ve done it!!!!!! ICHIRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It will be interesting to see how the Process is going to work itself out. Does Doan jump on the Ranger Express? Will Miller get a chance at taking Dubi minutes on the 3rd line. His body is already a power forward size, maybe not at the beginning of the year – but I could see him stepping up and getting a chance to keep a spot if he is strong in the corners.

And we get to release “THE KREIDER” for a full season. Oh the line combo’s are endless. One thing is for sure with Nash and Kreider in – Dubi & AA out there will be ALOT more ofense this year.

What a story if Sather lands Doan next……. a few people might have to eat some “Brooks” pie.

Now it seems like trolling because not one person said he was a savior…not even close. Lots of good deal comments though, and excitement for his talent.

he’s got a lot to prove of course. I have a little more optimism because of our core, captain, and others.

Confidence is a bigger than most will admit thing in hockey. How would you feel if you were Nash going into a #1 placed team with a goalie that just won vezina, with one of the best youth cores in the league. A #4 scoring leader.

MickeyM,
Dubi was my favorite homegrown player and I to was against bringing nash in also but now that he is here and playing for my favorite hockey team I hope he performs because I have my doubts about this player also, time will tell.

Nash will not score 50 because we don’t play that way. He will help with scoring though. Overpaid? Sure but not to the degree that Shea Weber or Alex Ovechkin are. Canadian kid moving to an original 6 and final four team? I think he will do well.

Yorktown, I can appreciate that. I don’t believe that will happen though. And even though it goes against my ‘being a fan” code, I can’t root or cheer for him personally. The team yes, but him as a person, absolutely not.

I’ll take 30 goals, 60 points. Nash is a legit scoring threat – something that is scarce in the Rangers’ lineup.

Today, Glen Darth Sather made the Rangers a better team.

People may not be happy with the trade – that’s cool and appropriate, but to wish for a player on ANY team to “blow his knee out” is classless, (very Philthy Flyer fan-like). To wish a serious injury on a player on the team you actually root for is unconscionable.

A true and honorable hockey fan would never wish serious injury on any player, no matter how much the player is despised.

Mickey
RE your sentiments on Nash..
But I’m MORE upset about acquiring Nash. his contract and his lack of ability to rise above the situation in Ohio. If he was as good as everyone says he is, he should have led that team to a Cup by now.

CT – Zherdev had a good year here. He was paid 3.25 mil and put up 60 points, yet fans hated him. Nash is going to put up 60 points and get paid more than double, but fans will love him…

And Nash is going to break all of a sudden go from 3 years at 30g and jump back up to 40 again out of nowhere? He could just as easily not get used to living in NY and end up being another “bust”, which in NY terms means putting up your career averages, except you get paid more and your expectations are higher and unrealistic.

Fans root for a player’s work ethic, willingness to do the dirty work, as much as the numbers put up. Zherdev was a poor man’s Semin. that’s why he was disliked by the Ranger fans. A player like Callahan can put up the same numbers, but is revered by fans for his work ethic and willingness to get dirty…

That said, Nash does have some pressure on him here. Dubi was a fan favorite, despite this past terrible season for him personally. Nash absolutely must score, must get dirty. We will see what he is made out of.

Mazz – if he is an “elite” talent, it wouldn’t matter who was around him. Kovalchuk was on a bad team, yet he put up better number than he has with the Devils. Crosby played on some bad Pittsburgh teams early, yet he put up 100+ points centering the likes of Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen.

Wonder what the lineup will look like tonight?? Does Ichiro get the leadoff spot or does Derek stay in the top spot? This gives our offense a whole host of options. I think Id place Ichiro in the 2 spot behind Derek, and move Granderson and his power and strikeouts into the middle of the order. He is gonna be sick!

Tiki you can add my sister to the sad group shes very upset about dubi being traded also. Well it looks like the Mets are going to ruin my day their already losing & its only the first inning BUT my Baby called me from Paris to wish me a happy b-day unfortunately it was after midnight in Paris so I didn’t get to speak to my granddaughters.

Per – I understand that and I’m fine with that. But everyone was so excited for Zherdev then couldn’t wait until he left. I’m just reminding everyone of that because I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens with Nash when people find out he becomes soft when physically challenged, especially since he’s playing in a very physical division.

_RE your sentiments on Nash..
But I’m MORE upset about acquiring Nash. his contract and his lack of ability to rise above the situation in Ohio. If he was as good as everyone says he is, he should have led that team to a Cup by now._

Led them to a Cup?! Pass those peyotes ova here! That’s some good carcillo right there! sorry Mickey but you couldn’t be more wrong!

This deal is a no brainer. While I’m sorry to lose Dubi both he and AA were classic underachievers. Dubi way overpaid for a 10 goal scorer. Erixon easily replaceable with the other promising young d-men we have in the system now. If we had Nash this past season the Cup would be making the rounds with NYR players this summer. Way to get off your arse Slats. Does anyone know much about Delisle or was he purely a throw-in?

I just think the presence of Nash is going to be critical in the playoffs. When you are in those tight, low scoring games having a guy that has his talent is very important. They just need that one opportunity to make an impact. His presence also takes some of the pressure off of the other guys which can only make them better.

carp
no, absolutely not. 2 years would be the max for doan. I think Doan would be a good 2nd liner for us with his style of play and his size, but would not go more than 2 years and try to stay around 5 mil or so max

MickeyM… You are a clueless “Ranger fan”. Your lack of knowledge and stupid comments are just proving the stereotype is correct when it comes to woman and sports. Get a clue!!!!! You are embarassing yourself with your ignorant comments.

Wick, the more I’ve thought about it the last few days, the less it matters how much they give Doan … as long as it’s for two years max. They have plenty of cap space and as long as he comes off the books after 2013-14, it should only matter to Jim Dolan how much Doan makes.

Wow, i dont even know where to begin. What a nice pleasant surprise! Although i will miss dubi, it was a good deal by sather. Now, can he pull off the doaner too??? I have so many thoughts, but cant seem to gather them right now.

I know everyone is happy about nash but i for don’t think that it is as lopsided as everyone seems to think. We did in fact give up a lot for him. Dubi is a strong player who works hard in the corners and was good a faceoffs. Offense was down this year but is a 20 goal guy. AA is a very solid two way player that will find consistency and become a 25g 30 a guy. Erixon will be a solid blue liner no worse than ohlund and a late 1 in a heavy draft. That is a lot for one guy that fails to make those round him better

In essense. We didn’t lose anything. We have new players that can plug in the same numbers aas Dubi and Anisimov and probably better. Especially Dubi’s week performance last year, but we did gain a Talent that doesn’t always come around.

Who the heck wouldn’t try to get more years and money? This is what Doan does for a living. He wants to keep getting paid while he can make exorbitant money and to play as long as he can and to win the Cup. That’s fair of him to want. Slats is the one who needs to be wise.

Yea Chris exactly. Thats basically what i was saying. Not blaming Doan at all, but It would be crippling to take on another huge deal that would probably prevent the Rangers from signing all there talented youth.

Finally got a second to comment. I see plenty of different opinions, expectedly. Good chance we would be upset no matter who we’d lose because of team’s chemistry.
FWIW, my take- its a fair deal. Helps both teams the way they’re structured at the moment. We needed scoring, they needed young, solid NHL players who can play right away, prospect and a pick to start rebuilding. And there is no doubt, Howson would have gotten much more in return before the deadline. As well as during the draft.
I’m ok with who we lost. Either Stepan or MDZ would not make that trade as good as it looks on a paper now.
Nash will have to prove he was worth it. I think he can be a real monster. And while he may only score 30-30, or 35-35, as predicted, he will add much more points than that to a team total. The opposing teams will now have to deploy two shutdown pairs to deal with two different legit goalscorers. As well as twi solid checkers. Not too many teams have that. I believe he’ll play on the L, and not with Gaborik, at least at ES. I like the move. What’s not to like?

There are about 3-4 people on here who hate this trade. They are of course entitled to their opinion,and we are entitled to rebutt it. So here we go.

One of them likes Dubi because he’s cute! She wants Nash to bust up his knee which of course can only help the Rangers. And as a ” fan” it is always a good thing to want one your top players to be injured.

The other two are worried about the impact on the salary cap even though this trade is basically a wash with regards to the cap. Of course these same two or three individuals were on here pinning for a fourth line grunt player who got an absurd contract for ” its just pain” .

My opinion on this trade is this. Nash is a big tough gritty power forward with great speed and a wonderful shot. He goes hard to the net, is a darn good penalty killer who goes down to block shots but is also aware when to get open for a breakaway pass while killing a penalty. He will score between 35-40 goals consistantly during the next 5-6 seasons. As for his passing, it is underrated because his best center all those years in cbj was Manny Malhotra( lol), not exactly known as being an offensive player.

Someone mentioned Kovalchuck as a way to dump on Nash. Well, let’s see. He played with the likes of Keith Tkachuk,Marion Hossa, Dan Heatly, Brian Little, just to name a few. That compares very favorably to playing with Manny Malhotra, Mike Peca,RJ Umberger, and a plethora of other scrubs doesn’t it?

Their cap situation is just fine. I do agree, to an extent, about removing some of the team’s toughness, while adding a finesse player. But wasn’t that what everyone complained? A top line scorer? This trade, imo, makes 10 ft pole Semin a 20 ft pole Semin. And I agree, Sather should go after Doan. 2 year, give him enough money. Move on if he insists on long term.

I am penciling Nash in for 75 points if we play an 82 game schedule. Remember he will not always draw the #1 checking line and defensive pairing now. If the Rangers split their assets across the 2 first lines. You have Richards, Gabby, Cally, Kreider, Nash and Stepan. Sorry Hags bumping you to the 3rd line now.

Far too much importance is placed on numbers and point totals. Nash’s Columbus numbers were meaningless. He may have less numbers on the Blueshirts yet contribute more to the success of the team by adding other variables. It’s not golf, a players numbers do not determine success or failure.